To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop

I didn't realize that Trumpeter Books is an imprint of Shambhala Publications. Of course it is! This book -- like everything they print -- is smart, informative, well-written, challenging, and inspiring. I feel seen, understood, and deeply supported in making the spiritual, emotional, financial, and material changes that I want to make. Plus, I trust the author. (Unlike the "financial health expert" that I went to online for help who was totally in bed with one of my favorite Pushers!) With THIS BOOK in my hands, I can read in peace -- at home, outside, anywhere -- without being taunted by advertisers. And I can underline and write in the margins all of the thoughts and impressions that My Future Self may need to remember. If God were adding to the Bible, "The Book of Benson" would be there. For the spiritual health of all -- and the saving of Creation.

Extremely useful, especially the well- thought- out exercises in the book, as well as the support that can be found on the website noted in the book. this book has already changed my relationship to buying, and I am about 1/2 through it. The website offers a service for a small fee that sends a text daily with good practical emotional support--as well as the ability for you to send texts when overwhelmed by urge, or by actual ,over-shopping--able to text and get immediate positive response and suggestion to re-group and be aware of commitment to change behavior.Not only does it have effective methods of assisting in stopping over-shopping, but it provides alternate methods for meeting the unrecognized needs prompting the over-shopping, and guidance for uncovering them for yourself.

I am a compulsive shopper myself even though I bought this for a relative whose marriage is threatened by this destructive habit. I pretty much have my own habit in check now at age 62 but ache for those who are struggling with this. It's a very destructive cycle and if you don't get hold of it and yourself-- you will self destruct- but there is great help and advice in this book- It's an easy read and makes sense--not hard to wrap your mind around at all. I highly suggest this book and then "applying" what you have read. It could very well save your marriage and or your financial well being. Thumbs up!!

Super interesting and insightful book. I've had a bit of a shopping issue for about 8 yrs now. Luckily it has never gotten super out of control, like opening up credit card after credit card, etc. I'm always able to pay off my debt, but I still need to know that I shouldn't always be shopping like I do. And especially for things that I don't NEED. This book breaks things down and sometimes really makes you look at what you're doing wrong. It doesn't make you feel good, but it's things that you should see.If you need help, get this book.

This book is a great read with terrific resources, but I was very lost when it came to the math.

To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop by April Lane Benson is a critical tool for anyone suffering from spendaholism (compulsive buying, compulsive shopping disorder, overspending, overshopping, shopaholism). Dr. Benson, who passed away 3/29/2021, was an internationally recognized pioneer coordinating research into and treatment of overshopping, partially inspired by her own struggles with overspending. To Buy or Not to Buy offers a comprehensive program to allow readers to identify their impulses and develop tools for avoiding and controlling their actions.Lauren Williams, Owner, Casual Uncluttering LLC, Woodinville, WA USA

Highly recommend this book. It has helped me become more aware of my triggers and make changes.

I stated reading this online, and it seemed promising. However, I sort of lost interest halfway when I found I had no desire to do the "journaling" exercises, which are a necessary part of the overshopping reform. It may work if you are the kind of person who likes to walk around with a notebook detailing every purchase, including your "emotional state" at the time of purchase. The reading was informative, but the journalling not so much for me.

Well written, lots of things to think about, I like this one a lot compared to others like Spent, which is good but not as reflective as this one in my opinion

At first As I flicked through this book I thought it wasn't very good but then when I read it from the beginning and began to do the exercises I gained a lot of insight into over shopping. It seems clear I was a classic case from my upbringing, which was reassuring, and time will tell whether this book can help or not. The author says it t will take about 3 months to properly work through the exercises. Not a quick fix but worth a try. Written in a non judgemental way as so many of us are over shoppers in secret and as the book says it is more acceptable these days to admit to being an alcoholic. The book also explores the absolute battle we have with the psychology used by companies to make us buy more and how the economy survives on selling people things they already have and do not need.

I know it's impossible to say that you are not a shopaholic without sounding like you're in serious denial, but I really find this book thought provoking and intense also for someone without huge over shopping issues. The last months I have been evaluating my shopping, seeking more deliberate and mindful purchases. This book, has really made me think about what I buy and why, and helped me understand more what I am really shopping for. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to be a more mindful shopper.

I am half way through in this amazing book, I am optimistic that I will be so useful. It is worth reading

Yep I confess I have a shopping problem and this book has delped me get my life sorted. I have seen a rapid and major turn around in my finances. If its time you took a reality check, I recommend this book.Yes it can be very american in places but it translates well. We overshop to fill up a need and we need to address that need before we end up in a mountain of debt. Slightly outdated now the credit crunch as hit but the woman doesn't claim to be psychic. The author does talk alot of sense though.There is also a handy detachable card to put in your purse/wallet etc. Really cannot recommend highly enough.